1-1 1 1-2 SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 180 1-3 WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is proud to 1-4 recognize the 50th anniversary of Gem Jewelry Company, owned by 1-5 Bea Mann and founded by this outstanding woman and her late husband, 1-6 Frank Mann, in Austin, Texas; and 1-7 WHEREAS, The opening date for Gem Jewelry was 1-8 January 2, 1951; at that time, the store was nine feet wide 1-9 and 22 feet long; 50 years later, the store has gotten larger, 1-10 but it has never left Congress Avenue; and 1-11 WHEREAS, The store's unwavering dedication to providing 1-12 warm customer service is one of the reasons for its continued 1-13 success; through the years, Bea Mann has befriended governors, 1-14 lieutenant governors, secretaries of state, judges, and 1-15 legislators; and 1-16 WHEREAS, A great believer in fair pricing, Bea Mann has never 1-17 had a sale because her prices have always been good; she feels 1-18 that her customers are her friends, many of whom she has known 1-19 for years; and 1-20 WHEREAS, Bea Mann has dedicated one-third of her store 1-21 to gift items related to the Capitol and Texas; under a counter 1-22 she keeps pre-wrapped items for constituent and last-minute staff 1-23 gifts; and 2-1 WHEREAS, The only advertising she uses is word-of-mouth, 2-2 and still she does an excellent business; the fans of Gem Jewelry 2-3 Company are legion; and 2-4 WHEREAS, A first generation Texan, Mrs. Mann is thankful 2-5 for the experiences she has had and the people she has met while 2-6 working in her store; and 2-7 WHEREAS, The popular Gem Jewelry has been a testimonial 2-8 to tradition and a tribute to its owner, who has been committed 2-9 to pleasing her customers and to managing her business with 2-10 dedication and integrity; now, therefore, be it 2-11 RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 2-12 77th Legislature, hereby commend Bea Mann for her contributions 2-13 to the Austin community and extend best wishes to her on the 2-14 50th anniversary of her company; and, be it further 2-15 RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 2-16 her as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. 2-17 Barrientos 2-18 Lucio 2-19 ______________________________________ 2-20 President of the Senate 2-21 I hereby certify that the above 2-22 Resolution was adopted by the Senate 2-23 on February 5, 2001. 2-24 ______________________________________ 2-25 Secretary of the Senate 2-26 ______________________________________ 2-27 Member, Texas Senate 2-28 ______________________________________ 2-29 Member, Texas Senate